Up, Up and Away: Escape Reality with a Vermont Hot-Air Balloon Adventure

Millions of people visit Vermont every year, especially on summer vacations, to escape the reality of day-to-day life. For those wanting to truly get above the fray, and see most of the state, there's no better way than a hot-air balloon ride.

From a sturdy wicker basket suspended beneath a colorful canvas filled with hot air, you can enjoy the big picture of Vermont's landscape, stretching from the islands and bays of Lake Champlain past the suburban neighborhoods and farm fields to the rise of the forests leading to the Green Mountains.

Jeff Snyder, 38, of Jericho — 30 minutes outside of Burlington — has one of the best offices in all of Vermont. He's a certified hot-air balloon pilot whose livelihood is showing off his home state from his fleet of balloons. That includes the Essex, the largest balloon in New England, able to carry up to 14 passengers and the pilot.

Stephen Mease

Jeff Snyder

Snyder's Champlain Valley-based company, Above Reality, grew out of a college internship in Arizona that fueled his passion for flying and running his own business. After working around the U.S. with the AmeriCorps National Service and flying balloons at amazing locations all over the world — from the Grand Canyon to the Philippines to New Zealand — he returned home to Vermont.

"I'd seen enough parts of the country to know that I wanted to start my business in the state where I grew up," Snyder says. "As much as I might be biased as a Vermonter, I also believe this is one of the prettiest and most unique landscapes in the country to go ballooning over."

His customers agree. One wrote in a Yelp review: "My wife and I could not have asked for a better ride, gliding over the city thousands of feet up, looking out over Lake Champlain while the sun set, and landing on a farm to enjoy a glass of Champagne. A wonderful little adventure you won't forget!"

Stephen Mease

No two flights are alike. Snyder encourages his passengers to keep a sharp eye out below for white-tailed deer, gray hawks, beavers on ponds, blue herons, black bears and even the occasional moose. Heading over a still-water pond, he'll often dip low for a splash and dash, encouraging everyone to look down and see the balloon — and themselves — reflected in the water.

Flights can also roam over suburban neighborhoods, where the loud whoosh of the balloon's propane burners draws kids and families out into the yard to watch and wave. On occasion, the wind has taken Snyder right over Burlington International Airport's runways. If conditions allow, he'll get radio clearance from the control tower to touch down briefly on the main runway. Hot-air balloons have the right-of-way over airplanes.

Stephen Mease

Breaking down the balloon

And on exceptionally clear days, it feels like you can see forever, with the Adirondack peaks to the west and the skyline of Montréal shimmering on the northern horizon in the distance.

Balloon flights lift off twice a day: just after sunrise, around 5 a.m., and in the few hours preceding sunset, Snyder notes. The winds are the calmest at those times. And don't shy away from early-morning flights: "They are quite enchanting and well worth the early wake-up call," says Snyder.

Typically, a hot-air adventure takes three to four hours, Snyder says, with an hour or so actually in the air. Passengers are welcome to lend a hand to the ground crew as they set up and inflate the balloon at the launch site, and then reverse the process and pack up after landing — but it's not required.

Stephen Mease

Above Reality Champagne toast

A balloon pilot never knows quite where the winds will take him, so Snyder comes prepared with an iPad loaded with GPS information for those landings. When he surprises someone by landing in their front yard or field, he honors a ritual that dates back to the earliest balloon flights, pulling out a bottle of Champagne to offer thanks.

One time, a landowner invited everyone up to her deck and brought out her best crystal flutes. "She hadn't used them in about 15 years but couldn't think of a better reason to celebrate," recalls Snyder.

Accepting the reality of solid ground once again might take a little time — but serendipitous connections like that one certainly ease the transition.

Ready for Liftoff?

Stephen Mease

Above Reality offers a range of balloon rides, starting at $275 per person for the Views of Vermont flight. Learn more at balloonvermont.com.

To make the most of your flight:

Schedule it for the earliest part of your visit. In the event of a weather cancellation, you'll have more chances to reschedule.

Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes and pants for climbing in and out of the basket. Don't forget to bring a hat and sunglasses.

Bring your camera, and make sure you have a full battery and a spare. You don't want your phone or camera to die during this trip!

Balloon Festivals

Up to 20 balloons will dot the skies over Vermont's Upper Valley and New Hampshire at the longest-running hot-air balloon festival in New England. There are flights and tethered rides, as well as music, entertainment, craft artisans and commercial vendors.

Let your spirits soar as more than 25 hot-air balloons fill the sky. Enjoy breathtaking launches and live entertainment while relaxing in the beer and wine garden. Hot-air balloon rides and tethered rides are available.

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